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Learn About Financial Aid

Making your dream a reality.

Our dedicated Office of Financial Aid is here to help.

Congrats! You're on your way to the world's highest quality art and design education, the first step toward landing a meaningful career in the creative industry of your choosing. Ringling College offers financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities to connect aspiring artists and designers like you with the top quality education you deserve. To assist you, the RIngling College Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping you navigate the best options for your future.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Ringling College Merit Scholarships and Need-Based Grants for Domestic Students

Accepted students’ Admissions Applications are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships. These scholarships are based on various measures of achievement including portfolio score and Grade Point Average (GPA). Financial need is not a factor in determining merit scholarships. Incoming students who have completed the application process by February 15th for the following Fall semester are automatically considered for one of the following merit scholarships.

Scholarship Requirements: Must be full-time (12+ credits) and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Students’ cumulative GPA will be reviewed annually at the end of spring semester. If the GPA requirement is not met, the scholarship will be revoked and the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student.

Presidential ScholarshipThe Presidential Scholarship is awarded to the strongest student applicant in each of the majors and is based on the merit of their Admissions Application. This award is not based on need and is valued at $20,000 per year for 4 years. Please note that the Presidential Scholarship cannot be combined with other Ringling scholarships and grants and will replace all existing Ringling awards.

Deans' Scholarship The Deans’ Scholarship is awarded to new students who demonstrate a high level of academic and creative talent. This award is not based on need and is valued at $10,000 per year for 4 years. New students admitted into the Creative Writing major for the 2016-17 year will automatically receive a Deans' Scholarship.

Faculty ScholarshipThe Faculty Scholarship reflects the commitment Ringling College faculty has to our students. This award is not based on need and is valued at $8,000 per year for 4 years.

Ringling College ScholarshipThe Ringling College Scholarship is provided to new students with strong promise of achievement at Ringling College. This award is not based on need and is valued at $6,000 per year for 4 years.

Trustee Scholarship The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to outstanding rising seniors at Ringling College. Candidates for these awards are nominated by faculty and Student Life staff. Candidates are then selected by the Board of Trustees. Awards are based on academic and artistic achievement, leadership, and contributions to Ringling College and the community. These funds are paid directly to the student during the fall of their senior year at Ringling College. This award is not based on need and is valued at $3,000 (one time scholarship).

Ringling College Endowed ScholarshipsEndowed scholarships are available through the generosity of donors supporting Ringling College. These funds are awarded based upon criteria supplied by each donor – amounts will vary.

Ringling College GrantThe Ringling College Grant is provided to eligible students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. Awards vary in amount based on demonstrated need. This grant program is offered in addition to other financial aid programs for which students are eligible.

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program based on need. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is open to undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and who have not earned a bachelor's degree. Eligibility is determined by financial need.

The Direct Loan program is a federal loan program which enables students to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Students may borrow as much as $5,500 for the first-year, $6,500 for the second year, and $7,500 for the third and fourth years. Students may be eligible for a need-based Subsidized Direct Student Loan with a federal interest subsidy during eligible periods of enrollment until graduation. Eligibility for an Unsubsidized Direct Student Loan is not need-based, and interest will accrue while repayment of the loan is deferred. The scheduled interest rates for Subsidized Direct Student Loans are as follows:

First loan disbursment

Interest rate on the unpaid balance

Made on or after July 1, 2010; made before July 1, 2011

4.5%

Made on or after July 1, 2011; made before July 1, 2012

3.4%

Made on or after July 1, 2012; made before July 1, 2013

3.4%

These interest rates apply only to Subsidized Direct Student Loans. An Unsubsidized Direct Student Loan for the same undergraduate borrower would continue to be made at the current fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent.

The Direct PLUS Loan program is a federally funded program which allows parents (biological, adoptive, or in some cases, stepparent) of dependent students to borrow up to the Cost of Attendance per student minus other financial assistance. Effective July 1, 2006, interest rates for new loans first disbursed after July 1, will be at a fixed rate of 6.84%. The borrower must not have an Adverse Credit History (as determined by the Department of Education).

Important: New Borrowers, prior to initiating the PLUS loan process, you must first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

A consolidation loan allows you to combine several types of federal student loans with various repayment schedules into one loan with one monthly repayment. Your payments might be significantly lower than under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan, and you might receive a lower interest rate than you’re currently paying on one or more of your loans. If your parent has PLUS loans, your parent may benefit from loan consolidation. However, you cannot consolidate your federal Direct Student Loans with your parent's Direct PLUS loans or your alternative loans. Some alternative loan providers offer consolidation of private student loans.

Direct Loan Acceptance

If your award letter indicates eligibility for a Federal Direct Student Loan, it will be assumed that you are interested in borrowing the full amount of your annual eligibility. If you do NOT wish to receive funding from this source, or would like to reduce the amount borrowed, simply contact the Office of Financial Aid in writing or send us an email at finaid@ringling.edu and we will make the appropriate adjustment on your behalf.

Ringling College of Art and Design is approved for Veterans' educational benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students applying for benefits will be required to provide proof of eligibility prior to receiving benefits. New students applying for benefits must make an appointment to see the Veteran’s Administration (VA) certifying official in the Office of Advising, Records and Registration. The VA certifying official will then complete eligibility papers for the student and submit them to the VA. Eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress for all terms in which they are enrolled, in order to continue to receive benefits.

Returning Title IV Federal and Ringling College Financial Aid Funds

Students who receive Title IV federal funds through the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Student Loan or Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and Ringling College grants and scholarships and withdraw from the College are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds regulations and return of institutional funds requirements. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your optionsbefore you withdraw from the College.

Students with funds from any of these programs "earn" their financial aid dollars while enrolled. If a student withdraws prior to completing 61% of a semester, a pro-rated portion of the federal financial aid dollars must be considered "unearned" and returned to the federal programs. A return of these funds along with institutional aid could result in a significant balance being owed to the College.

In addition to the amount of federal and institutional aid Ringling College must return, students who received financial aid for other educational costs, including off-campus living expenses, may be required to repay a portion of those funds to the federal programs. Failure to return the aid will result in loss of eligibility for federal financial assistance.

State Programs: For Florida Residents

Florida ResidencyFlorida law permits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to be classified as a Florida resident for state student tuition assistance programs. The applicant or the dependent applicant's parent/legal guardian must be a legal resident of the State for at least 12 months preceding the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought.

A state-funded program for permanent Florida residents who have lived in the state of Florida for at least one year, who demonstrate financial need, and who are actively pursuing a degree. Florida residents should be sure to request release of their data to the Florida Department of Education by completing the releases/certification section on the FAFSA.

Failure to Meet the Minimum Renewal GPA

If a student does not meet the minimum institutional cumulative GPA, a probationary award may be granted.

To be eligible for renewal the following year after probation, the student must have earned the required credits and an institutional cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Failure to Meet the Minimum Renewal Credit Hours

A student who does not meet the annual minimum number of credit hours required for renewal may not receive funding the following academic year.

To be eligible for funding in a subsequent year, the student must apply for restoration and meet the general eligibility requirements for restoration and have earned an institutional cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

A state-funded program for permanent Florida residents who have lived in-state at least one year and who are pursuing a degree at an eligible nonprofit private university in Florida. The amount varies from year to year, depending upon the state funding allocation. Typically the grant amount ranges from $2200 to $3000 per year. Ringling College requests that students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so we can determine whether the student qualifies for other financial aid. The Florida State Department of Education does not require students to file a FAFSA to qualify for FRAG or Bright Futures. To qualify, complete the Florida Residency Statement available on our website under the 'Forms and Tax Information' tab.

Failure to Meet the Minimum Renewal GPA

If a student does not meet the minimum institutional cumulative GPA, a probationary award may be granted.

To be eligible for renewal the following year after probation, the student must have earned the required credits and institutional cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Failure to Meet the Minimum Renewal Credit Hours

A student who does not meet the annual minimum of 12 hours per semester (or equivalent) requirement for renewal (for one or both semesters), may not receive funding the following academic year.

To be eligible for funding in a subsequent year, the student must apply for restoration and meet the general eligibility requirements for restoration and have earned an institutional cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

This is a Florida Lottery-Funded scholarship rewarding students for their academic achievements during high school by providing funding for them to pursue postsecondary educational and career goals in Florida. For comprehensive information regarding Bright Futures amounts, GPA and/or minimum renewal hour information please review more information here.

This program allows parents in the state of Florida to begin paying for college before their children enroll. The program is a 529 investment plan managed by the Florida Prepaid College Board. If you are unsure if you have contributed to the plan or if you are unsure of to which plan you have contributed, [Tuition, Dormitory, and or fees] please visit Florida Prepaid College Plan.

A state program available to students with disabilities. Eligible students should contact their local Vocational Rehabilitation Office.

Return of Title IV Federal Financial Aid Funds

Students who receive Title IV federal funds through the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Student Loan or Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan and withdraw from the College are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds regulations. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your optionsbefore you withdraw from the College.

Students with funds from any of these programs "earn" their financial aid dollars while enrolled. If a student withdraws prior to completing 61% of a semester, a pro-rated portion of the federal financial aid dollars must be considered "unearned" and returned to the federal programs. A return of funds could result in a significant balance being owed to the College.

In addition to the amount of federal aid Ringling College must return, students who received financial aid for other educational costs, including off-campus living expenses, may be required to repay a portion of those funds to the federal programs. Failure to return the aid will result in loss of eligibility for federal financial assistance.

The FWSP is a federally funded program enabling qualified students to work part-time on campus. Eligibility is based on demonstrated need, and is determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Students are paid bi-weekly.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is an institutionally funded work program designed to provide limited employment on campus with no prerequisite of financial need. To view available employment opportunities, go to College Central.

Off-Campus Employment

Each year, the Center for Career Services posts nearly 1,000 full-time, part-time, and freelance employment opportunities, as well as internships, available to Ringling College students and alumni. Visit the Center for Career Services to learn more about off-campus employment opportunities or browse current job listings at College Central.

Private Student Loans

We strongly recommend that you consider borrowing from the Federal Direct Loan program before applying for a private student loan due to the Department of Education's low interest rates and various repayment options. If you choose to apply for a private student loan, you may search for private lenders at ELM Select. This site allows you to compare between different lenders to determine which loan would best suit you and your family. The lender list is by no means a comprehensive list of available lenders; it simply represents those lenders that our students and parents have borrowed from in the past.

Apply for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Application Procedures

In an effort to reduce the paperwork burden on students and parents, Ringling College requires a two-step process for initiating the financial aid request for all programs administered by the Office of Financial Aid. These requirements are:

The FAFSA is available online at fafsa.ed.gov as of January 1 each year. We highly recommend filing an online FAFSA. Paper copies are available at your public library, local high school, or directly from Ringling College.

The Title IV code for Ringling College, which designates the College as a recipient of the processed information, is 012574.

After your FAFSA is processed, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from a central processing agent. Ringling College will receive an electronic file directly from the U.S. Department of Education, which will then be used to process your financial aid. To be considered for all of the aid for which you may be eligible, Ringling College must receive your FAFSA by our priority date of March 1. If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, click here for guidance.

It is important that the FAFSA be completed accurately and submitted on time to the College. Errors can result in long delays or denial of funds. In general, the FAFSA is not difficult to complete, and Ringling College’s Financial Aid staff is available to answer any questions.

Students who apply via the Internet will receive their application results within 3-5 days, versus 6-8 weeks if the application is sent by mail. When the FAFSA information is transmitted over the Internet, it is completely secure. Application entries are edited thoroughly, reducing the number of errors and potentially reducing the need to submit additional documentation later in the process.

Financial aid applications may be selected by the Department of Education for a process called verification. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, it will be necessary for the Office of Financial Aid to collect other supporting documentation in order to complete your file. Please contact our office for guidance as soon as you know you have been selected for verification.

Financial Aid Notification Letters will be mailed or emailed as soon as the financial aid review process has been completed.

You are encouraged to research other sources of financial assistance that may be available in your local area, including foundations, civic organizations and your parents’ or spouse's employers. Please see further down this page for Ringling College's list of third party scholarships.

Ringling College uses NetPartner as your personalized Financial Aid Portal. Here you will have access to view your financial aid award, accept your award, and view any documentation you are required to submit to the Office of Financial Aid. This will provide you with 24 hour availability to retrieve your financial aid information.

Here’s how this works:

You will enter your Ringling College ID number and password to log in to NetPartner. Once you are logged in, there will be several tabs to choose from:

Names and amounts of your awards

Your payment options

Documents required

Messages about your aid

Student loan information

History of your ringling aid (does not include current year information)

Your disbursement information

Each tab will provide you with the pertinent financial aid information. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office for assistance. Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

Please note that you must have a financial aid record already established at Ringling College of Art and Design in order to use this site. If you have not begun the financial aid application process, you can get started by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once we receive your information from this application, we'll notify you so that you can start using this site.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

Ringling College of Art and Design awards all institutional financial aid (merit scholarships, endowments, and need-based grants) based on full-time enrollment status. Students awarded Ringling financial aid are required to maintain full-time entrollment (e.g. 12 credit hours or more) each semester in order to receive the full amount of their awards. Students who attend less than full-time will automatically have their Ringling scholarships and grants adjusted based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled for the semester. Students unable to attend full-time due to extenuating circumstances may appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Continuation Policy for Federal and State AidFederal and state financial aid programs are awarded contingent upon the successful completion of 75% of the coursework undertaken each semester. For state aid, 12 credits per semester must be completed and an academic grade point average of 2.0 or above must be maintained. The usual time limit for receipt of federal financial aid through Ringling College is based on 147 credit hours for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. In general, fulltime students will have 10 semesters in which to complete their degrees. Financial assistance ceases when the degree requirements have been met, even if 10 semesters have not elapsed. Appeals to this policy may be made in writing to the Office of Financial Aid. The appeal must include the reasons why satisfactory progress was not maintained and why financial aid should not be terminated.

Financial Aid Probation
Students who fail to achieve a 2.0 academic grade point average, or who do not complete 75% of the coursework attempted during any given semester, are placed on financial aid probation. Financial aid may be received during this probationary semester. To be removed from financial aid probation, students must earn a minimum of a 2.0 semester grade point average and complete 75% of the coursework attempted in the probationary semester.

Financial Aid Suspension
All financial aid will be suspended if a student does not earn a 2.0 academic grade point average, or fails to complete 75% of the coursework undertaken in the probationary semester. Financial aid may be reinstated after a student successfully completes six or more credit hours at his or her own expense. Minimum standards for successful completion are the same as those required to be removed from financial aid probation.

Financial Aid Repeated Coursework Policy

The Department of Education has recently published new regulations which impact students who repeat courses. These repeat courses may impact your financial aid eligibility and awards for Federal Title IV financial aid. In order for a repeated course to count toward your financial aid enrollment status for financial aid purposes, you may only repeat a previously passed course once (a total of two attempts). If you enroll in a passed repeated course for a third time, this course will not count toward your enrollment for financial aid purposes. This rule applies whether or not you received aid for earlier enrollments in the course.

Rules

A grade of A, B, C, or D (and any + or – version of the grade) is considered a passed course for financial aid eligibility purposes.

A student may receive aid when repeating a passed, failed, or withdrawn course for the first time.

A student may receive aid when repeating a course that was previously failed or withdrawn from regardless of the number of times the course was attempted and failed. (Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy still applies.)

A student may receive aid to repeat a previously passed course one additional time. If a student fails the second attempt, no more financial aid will be given to repeat the course a third time. If the second attempt is a withdrawal, then it is allowable for a third attempt.

Once a student has completed any course twice (2 passing grades or 1 passing grade followed by a failed attempt), he or she is no longer eligible to receive aid for that course. If a student retakes a course that is not aid eligible, the credit hours will be excluded from the financial aid enrollment for that semester.

Allowable Examples

Repeated coursework may be included if the student received a falling grade or withdrew from the class. There is no limit on the number of repeats if the student never passes the class. (Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy still applies).

A student takes AH 192 and receives a grade of W or F. The student repeats the class and receives a D. For financial aid purposes the student is considered to have passed the class. He or she may repeat the class one more time and receive financial aid. If, on the second attempt, the student receives a W, the student can repeat the class again; if a grade is assigned including an F, then the student cannot repeat the course again and the class cannot be counted for enrollment purposes for financial aid.

Courses that are intended to be repeated and passed multiple times, such as EL 221 and ELEC ART.

When determining credits to financial aid eligibility for a semester and a course falls into a non-allowable status, it will be excluded from the financial aid eligible credit count. This may mean less Pell Grant if the eligible credits fall below 12 hours. No federal loans can be awarded if the financial aid eligible credits are less than 6 credits.

Chart of Examples

1st Attempt

2nd Attempt

3rd Attempt

Is Class FA Payable
for Enrolled Semester?

Course 1

C

Enrolled

NA

Yes

Course 2

F

D

Enrolled

Yes

Course 3

D

C

Enrolled

No

Course 4

D

F

Enrolled

No

Course 5

W

F

Enrolled

Yes

Course 6

D

W

Enrolled

Yes

Explanations of the Above Examples

Course 1: Yes, these credits may be counted, even though the class was previously passed, because it is the first time the class is being repeated.

Course 2: Yes, these credits are included in the financial aid enrollment because the student is allowed to repeat any failed or withdrawn course until a passing grade is received. Once a passing grade is received, financial aid can pay for the course again. If a grade of A, B, C, D, or F (and any + or – version of the grade) is made on the third attempt; the course will not count again in the calculation for financial aid enrollment.

Course 3: No, this course was previously passed twice and this is the third attempt. Two attempts are the maximum attempts these credits can count toward financial aid enrollment because the course has been previously passed.

Course 4: No, the class credits are no longer considered for financial aid eligibility because it has been previously passed, and this is the second time it is being repeated.

Course 5: Yes, because this course has never been passed so it may still be counted toward financial aid enrollment.

Course 6: Yes, because the second attempt was not completed. If a grade of A, B, C, D, or F (and any + or – version of the grade) is made on the third attempt; the course will not count again in the calculation for financial aid enrollment.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

Ringling College of Art and Design awards all institutional financial aid (merit scholarships, endowments, and need-based grants) based on full-time enrollment status. Students awarded Ringling financial aid are required to maintain full-time entrollment (e.g. 12 credit hours or more) each semester in order to receive the full amount of their awards. Students who attend less than full-time will automatically have their Ringling scholarships and grants adjusted based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled for the semester. Students unable to attend full-time due to extenuating circumstances may appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid Code of Conduct

Ringling College of Art and Design Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to prohibit conflicts of interest in situations involving student financial aid and to establish standards of conduct for Ringling College's officers, employees, and agents with responsibility for student financial aid.

II. Applicability

This Policy applies to all employees who work in the Office of Financial Aid and all other College officers, employees, and agents who have responsibilities related to education loans or other forms of student financial aid.

III. Definitions

A. Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest exists when an employee's financial interests or other opportunities for personal benefit may compromise, or reasonably appear to compromise, the independence of judgment with which the employee performs his/her responsibilities at the College.

B. Gift: Any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimus amount. The term includes a gift of services, transportation, lodging, or meals, whether provided in kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred. The term "gift" does not include any of the following:

1. Standard materials, activities, or programs on issues related to a loan, default aversion, default prevention, or financial literacy, such as a brochure, a workshop, or training.

2. Training or informational material furnished to the College as an integral part of a training session that is designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor, or servicer of educational loans to the College, if such training contributes to the professional development of the College's employees.

3. Favorable terms, conditions, and borrower benefits on an education loan provided to a student employed by the College or an employee who is the parent of a student if such terms, conditions, or benefits are comparable to those provided to all students of the College and are not provided because of the student's or parent's employment with the College.

4. Entrance and exit counseling services provided to borrowers to meet the College's responsibilities for entrance and exit counseling under federal law, so long as the College's employees are in control of the counseling, and such counseling does not promote the products or services of any specific lender.

5. Philanthropic contributions to an institution from a lender, servicer, or guarantor of education loans that are unrelated to education loans or any contribution from any lender, guarantor, or servicer that is not made in exchange for any advantage related to education loans.

6. State education grants, scholarships, or financial aid funds administered by or on behalf of a State.

C. Opportunity pool loan: A private education loan made by a lender to a student attending the College or the family member of such a student that involves a payment, directly or indirectly, by the College of points, premiums, additional interest, or financial support to such lender for the purpose of such lender extending credit to the student or the family.

D. Revenue-sharing arrangement: An arrangement between the College and a lender under which (a) a lender provides or issues a loan to students attending the College or to their families; and (b) the College recommends the lender or the loan products of the lender and in exchange, the lender pays a fee or provides other materials benefits, including revenue or profit sharing, to the College or its employees.

A. Revenue-Sharing Arrangements
The College will not enter into any revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender.

B. Interaction with Borrowers
When participating in the Federal Direct Loan program, the College will not assign a first-time borrower's federal loan, through award packaging or other methods, to a particular lender. The College will not refuse to certify, or delay certification of, any federal loan based on the borrower's selection or a particular lender or guaranty agency. When participating in the Federal Direct Loan program, the College may assign a first time borrower's federal loan to the Federal Government as the lender.

C. Private Loans
Under no circumstances will the College assign a student's private student loan to a particular lender, or refuse to certify or delay certification of any private loan, based upon the borrower's selection of lender or guaranty agency. The College will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan, to students in exchange for the College providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with (i) a specified number of federal loans; (ii) a specified federal loan volume; or (iii) a preferred lender arrangement for federal loans.

D. Co-Branding
The College will not permit a private educational lender to use the College's name, emblem, mascot, logo, or any other words, pictures, or symbols associated with the College to imply endorsement of private educational loans by that lender.

E. Staffing Assistance
The College will not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing. Nothing in this section, however, prevents the College from accepting assistance from a lender related to (i) professional development training for its staff; (ii) providing educational counseling materials, financial literacy materials, or debt management materials to borrowers, provided that such materials disclose to borrowers the identification of any lender that assisted in preparing or providing such materials; or (iii) staffing services on a short-term, nonrecurring basis to assist the College with financial aid-related functions during emergencies, including State-declared or federally declared natural disasters, federally declared national disasters, and other localized disasters and emergencies identified by the Secretary of Education.

V. Code of Conduct

A. Conflicts of Interest
1. No employee shall have a conflict of interest with respect to any education loan or other student financial aid for which the employee has responsibility.
2. No employee may process any transaction related to his/her own personal financial aid eligibility or that of a relative.

B. Gifts
No employee may accept any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans. A gift to a family member of an employee or to any other individual based on that individual's relationship with the employee shall be considered a gift to the employee if the gift is given with the knowledge and acquiescence of the employee and the employee has reason to believe the gift was given because of the employee's position at the College. Token awards from professional associations (state, regional, or national) that recognize professional milestones or extraordinary service to parents and students, or scholarships for conference attendance or other professional development opportunities, may be accepted.

C. Prohibited Contracting Arrangements
No employee shall accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including the opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

D. Advisory Board Compensation
No employee who serves on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors may receive anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors in return for that service.

E. Reimbursement of Expenses
Expenses incurred while attending professional association meetings, conferences, or in connection with service on an advisory board, commission, or group described in Section V.D. of this Policy must be paid by the College. Entertainment expenses such as concert or sports tickets or greens fees may not be accepted. Employees are expected to personally pay for such expenses or request reimbursement from the College in accordance with College policy.

F. Meals
Employees may occasionally need to share meals with employees of lenders, guaranty
agencies, or other colleges or universities in the course of business. Meals offered as a part of meetings, conferences, or other events may be accepted if all participants in the meeting or event are offered the meals or if the meals are included as a part of a registration fee.

VI. Policy ViolationsViolations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Tuition and Cost

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. The COA for a student is an estimate of that student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. The COA includes all potential costs associated with attending the College both direct (billable) and indirect (non-billable) costs.

2016-17 COST OF ATTENDANCE | RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

Students Living on Campus

Students Living off Campus

Students Living with Parents

Transportation

$1,680

$2,016

$2,016

Technology Fee

$2,476

$2,476

$2,476

College Fees

$1,630

$1,630

$1,540

Student Loan Fees

$80

$80

$80

Miscellaneous

$904

$904

$904

Tuition

$39,510

$39,510

$39,510

Books and Supplies

$2,700

$2,700

$2,700

Room and Board

$14,306

$14,934

$6,626

Health Insurance

$894

$894

$894

_TOTALS

_$64,180

_$65,144

_$56746

Making Payments

Online Payments
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express) and electronic checks (ACH) payments may be made using our online secure payment portal. Access to this portal is available through the student's Self Service account. The student may grant access to other individuals by providing them with their own login and password.

Payments by Mail
Payment may be made by checks payable to Ringling College of Art and Design and mailed to:

Ringling College of Art and Design will defer the payment of the balance due for the semester by the following methods:

Financial Aid
Anticipated aid will be deferred for students with an official award notification. If the anticipated financial aid is reduced or cancelled, the student is responsible for the balance due.

TuitionPay (Administered by Higher One)
TuitionPay offers you the ability to finance the balance due for both semesters throughout the academic year, interest free. Only tuition, fees, room, and required board charges may be included in the TuitionPay contract. For more information on the TuitionPay Plan contact TuitionPay at 800-635-0120 or https://tuitionpaymentplan.com/ringling

FAQS

Q. I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?
A. Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Parent PLUS Loan that are available regardless of need. Submitting the FAFSA is free, and your information is confidential. Please note that the priority deadline for submitting your FAFSA for consideration for Ringling College Institutional Scholarships and any other financial aid is March 1 for the following fall semester.

How to Apply...

Q. Where can I get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid?
A. You may apply electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure you are logged into the .gov site, not a .com site. There should be no charge to complete the FAFSA. It is a free application.

Q. Where can I get information about Federal student financial aid?
A. Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-800-730-8913 (if hearing impaired) and ask for a free copy of The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the US Department of Education. This toll free hotline is run by the US Department of Education, and its staff can answer questions about federal student aid programs and applications.

When to Apply...

Q. How soon after January 1 should the FAFSA be completed? Is it better to wait until the income tax forms have been completed?
A. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. You do not need to wait until your taxes are filed. Although it is better to file your taxes early, it is fine to use estimates of your income. You will have an opportunity to make any necessary corrections later. If you wait too long, you might miss the priority deadline of March 1 for filing your FAFSA for consideration for federal, state or institutional aid.

Q. What's the time limit on applying for financial aid?
A. You can apply for aid throughout the year, but our priority deadline is March 1, the date we begin our awarding process.

Who Completes the FAFSA...

Q. I'm under 24 years of age, but have been living on my own and my parents don't claim me on their taxes. Do I still need to provide their information on the FAFSA?
A. Yes. For the purposes of financial aid, dependency status is determined by a series of questions on the FAFSA. If you answer "no" to all of them, then you're considered dependent and your parents must answer their portion of the application.

Q. I have never lived with my parents. My relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) have cared for me most of my life; however, they have never adopted me. Can I use my relative's financial information on the FAFSA application?
A. No. You must use your parent's information to the extent possible. If this is not achievable, contact the financial aid office for assistance.

Q. My parents are separated or divorced. How do I file the FAFSA?
A. If your parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA application. The custodial parent is the parent with whom you lived the most during the past 12 months, from the FAFSA application date, not the previous calendar year. Note, this is not necessarily the same as the parent who has legal custody. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the past twelve months should fill out the FAFSA. This is probably the parent who claimed you as a dependent on their tax return. If you have not received any support from either parent during the past 12 months, use the most recent calendar year for which you received some support from a parent. Please note, however, that any child support and/or alimony received from the non-custodial parent must be included on the FAFSA.

Q. My parents are divorced, and the parent I'm living with has remarried. Does my stepparent have to report his or her income and assets on the FAFSA?
A. Yes, provided that the parent you're living with is the one filling out the FAFSA (your custodial parent). If your parent is remarried when you complete the FAFSA, his/her spouse's income and assets must be reported on the FAFSA even if they weren't married in the previous year.

Q. My parents are not married, but are living together. How do I file the FAFSA?
A. The information and income for both parents should be reported on the FAFSA. There is a marital status option of “Unmarried and both parents living together.”

Q. I have the same-sex parents who live together. How do I file a FAFSA?
A. If your parents were married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages, then their marital status would be reported as “married” and both of their information should be reported on the FAFSA as Parent 1 and Parent 2. If your parents have not been married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage, you would report their marital status as “Unmarried and both parents living together” and both of their information should be reported on the FAFSA as Parent 1 and Parent 2.

Q. My custodial parent remarried and signed a prenuptial agreement that absolves the stepparent from financial responsibility for my education. Why does my stepparent have to provide financial information on the FAFSA?
A. Prenuptial agreements are ignored by the federal need analysis process. After all, two individuals (parent and stepparent) cannot make an agreement between themselves that is binding on a third party (the federal government). The federal government considers the stepparent as a source of support regardless of any prenuptial agreements to the contrary. If a stepparent marries the parent, he or she is considered responsible for supporting the parent and children even if he or she is unwilling to do so.

Dependency Status...

Q. How is dependency status determined on the FAFSA?
A. The FAFSA application poses a list of questions to determine whether you are dependent for financial aid purposes. If you answer "no" to all the questions, you are dependent. The questions address your age, marital status, degree level, whether you have dependent children, and military veteran status.

Q. I am under 24 years of age, recently divorced, and have no children. Can I still file as an independent student and only use my financial information?
A. No. You must satisfy the questions listed on the FAFSA application to be considered independent. If you answer "no" to all questions, you will revert back to a dependent status and will be required to include your parental information.

Financial "Need"...

Q. How is my EFC determined?
A. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC determines your eligibility for need-based aid. Items that will affect need-based aid eligibility from year-to-year include: dramatic changes to income and/or assets, changes to the number of family members in college, changes to the number of family members residing in the household, etc. All of these factors play a role in determining the EFC.

Q. What determines financial need?
A. Financial need is calculated by determining the Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, personal allowance, etc., and subtracting your EFC, (based on federal and institutional formulas). The difference determines the amount of your financial need and your eligibility for need-based aid.

Q. What determines the aid I will receive?
A. Two factors: the EFC and the COA. The difference between the two determines your financial need and eligibility for need-based aid such as the Pell Grant, Subsidized Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, most Ringling College institutional programs and some state programs. The combination of all federal, state, and institutional aid plus outside resources (scholarships, etc) cannot exceed the COA set by Ringling College.

Unique Circumstances...

Q. What if I have unusual family circumstances?
A. We recognize that the need analysis process does not always consider every family situation. If your family has experienced an unusual change in financial circumstances not considered on the FAFSA, you may wish to request consideration. To do this you should submit the request, in writing, and describe in detail the factors which are impacting your ability to contribute toward the cost of attendance. We will make every effort to incorporate these circumstances into the need analysis calculation. A review may only be conducted for circumstances that can be documented.

Q. I have (or my parents have) changed marital status since I filed the FAFSA, should I refile?
A. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance with this change in circumstance.

Signing the FAFSA...

Q. How do I get my PIN?
A. If you wish to sign your FAFSA electronically, you will need to apply for a PIN number. If you cannot locate your PIN or have not received one, you can apply at www.pin.ed.gov. This applies for both you and your parent.

Q. Can I sign on paper?
A. Yes. During the FAFSA online application process, you will be asked how you wish to sign. We strongly recommend that you sign electronically to assist in expediting the process. If you choose not to use a PIN, you may print the signature page at the end of the process and mail it to the address listed on that page. Paper signatures may take weeks to process and will delay the processing of your FAFSA.

Q. I have been selected for verification and I do not understand what that means.
A. Basically, verification is an audit of the financial aid application information. Many student files are selected by the Federal Processor in the process of applying for aid. Some files are randomly selected while others are selected because of appearing to be error prone. If the student's file is selected, requested documentation should be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid at Ringling College immediately because of specified deadline date requirements. We normally ask that the documents be provided within two weeks of being selected for verification.

Documents needed...

Q. What documents are required to fulfill the verification requirements?
A. You will be required to complete a verification worksheet. You can download a copy of this worksheet from under the 'Forms and Tax Information' tab on this page. If you are required to include your parental information on your FAFSA, then complete the dependent worksheet. If you are not required to provide parental information, then complete the independent worksheet. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine what additional tax documentation you will be required to submit with the verification worksheet.

Consequences of not complying...

Q. What happens if I do not provide the requested verification documents?
A. If the required documentation is not provided to the Office of Financial Aid before the necessary deadline, Ringling College will not be able to apply any need-based financial aid to your account.

Q. How will I be notified of important financial aid information?
A. Please note that the Office of Financial Aid will use electronic means to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to keep your Ringling e-mail address current and to read messages that are sent to your email. It also is important that you keep your mailing address and phone number current with Ringling College's Records and Registration Office as we communicate through traditional means as well.

When is notification provided...

Q. When will I receive a Financial Aid Notification Letter?
A. Only those students who have filed a FAFSA will receive a Financial Aid Notification Letter. For new students who have been accepted, notification letters will be mailed during the months of March and April. Returning students' awards will be evaluated in May after grades are finalized. Notification letters will be emailed shortly after.

Accepting the awards...

Q. What must I do to accept my awards?
A. We will assume that you wish to accept all awards unless you notify us to let us know which financial aid programs you do not wish to accept.

Canceling the awards...

Q. What must I do to cancel all or any portion of my financial aid?
A. Please notify us in writing, preferably by email at finaid@ringling.edu. List which program or programs in which you do not wish to participate.

Q. May I cancel my loans at any time, even if I signed a promissory note?
A. Yes. We can cancel your request for a loan at any time up to and including receipt of the funds at the College.

The amount of financial aid offered is less than the bill...

Q. What if my financial aid (grants, scholarships, and federal loans) doesn't cover my bill?
A. There are two options: 1) You can enroll in the Tuition Pay Monthly Plan administered by Higher One and make interest-free, monthly payments; or 2) You can take out a private student loan. See our listings further up the page.

Q. How do I apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan?
A. To apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, first complete the FAFSA. Then, log in to www.studentloans.gov with your FAFSA PIN. To qualify, you need to complete the Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note.

Q. How do my parents apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan?
A. To apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, first complete the FAFSA. Either one of your parents or stepparents can apply for a PLUS loan, if you are considered a dependent student on your FAFSA. Your parent can apply at www.studentloans.gov. To qualify, your parent would complete the Parent PLUS Request Process and sign a Master Promissory Note.

Q. What if my parents apply for a PLUS Loan but are denied? Your parents have two options: They can appeal the decision by contacting Applicant Services with the Department of Education at 1-800-557-7394. Or, they can seek an endorser for the PLUS loan. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance with these options. If your parents choose not to pursue the PLUS loan after being denied, then we can award you an additional amount in a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan. For first and second year students, the additional amount is $4,000; for third and fourth year students, the amount is $5,000.

Lenders...

Q. Can I use my own lender for a loan?
A. Students are entitled to choose any lender they wish to use for alternative student loans, even lenders not on our website.

Entrance Counseling...

Q. What is an entrance counseling session and where do I complete it?
A. It is a federally required on-line counseling session which informs you of your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. You can access it online at www.studentloans.gov.

Increasing Loan Amounts...

Q. The Federal Direct Student Loans are not enough to cover my expenses. Can I increase the amount?
A. No. The maximum amount you can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans depends on your grade level and whether you are a dependent student or an independent student. We can decrease, but not increase the loan amount. The maximum amounts are set by the federal government.

Q. Can I increase the PLUS loan?
A. Yes. Your parent can increase the PLUS loan to accommodate your full need but cannot exceed the difference between the Cost of Attendance and your financial aid. Endorsed loans cannot be increased above the endorsed amount.

Use of Loans Funds...

Q. What can I spend my loan money on?
A. Federal Direct Student, Parent PLUS and private educational loans can be used for tuition, books, supplies, housing, food and any other educationally related costs.

Florida Programs

Florida Resident Access Grant...

Q. What is the Florida Resident Access Grant, and how do I apply for it?
A. The Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) is a program offered to Florida residents (residency as defined for tuition purposes in Florida statute) who attend full-time at a private college or university. To apply, complete the FAFSA and the Florida Residency Statement found on this website under the 'Forms and Tax Information' tab on this page. Choose either the dependent or independent form depending on your FAFSA filing status. The amount will be determined by the state after July 1st of the award year.

Bright Futures...

Q. I graduated from a Florida high school and have Bright Futures. Can I use it at Ringling College?
A. Yes, but the amount you will be credited will be calculated at a per credit hour rate, not a percentage. The credit hour rate is based on the average cost of tuition at a state university or college. The amount will be determined by the state after July 1st prior to the award year. The College accepts Florida Academic Scholars and Florida Medallion Scholars. The College does not accept Gold Seal Vocational Scholars, which is reserved for a technical or certificate program.

Florida Pre-Paid...

Q. Do you accept the Florida PrePaid Program?
A. Even though Ringling College is a private institution, we will accept Florida PrePaid at a rate calculated according to the Florida statute. The amount is determined by the state after July 1st prior to the award year. That amount is equal to the average rates payable to Florida state universities and colleges in Florida under your beneficiary’s plan. To use the PrePaid plan at Ringling College, a Transfer Form must be completed. Visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723) for a transfer form.

How to apply...

Q. How do I apply for Institutional Scholarships and Grants?
A. The only application Ringling College requires is the FAFSA. Please be advised that the College must receive a completed FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1st to be considered for scholarship renewal as well as receipt of any new scholarships and grants. During the evaluation process, we will consider students for all eligible programs. However, please be aware that scholarship and grant dollars are limited and we attempt to allocate the funds in the most equitable manner possible.

Q. How much money should I expect from a Ringling Scholarship or Grant, if I were to be selected?
A. The amounts vary. On average, financial aid scholarships and grants offer in the area of $3,000- $7,000 per year.

Q. What do I need to do to renew my Ringling Scholarship or Grant each year?
A. Each year you would need to complete the FAFSA by March 1. You will also need to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA for scholarships and a 2.0 cumulative GPA for grants. You must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Future Scholarship Opportunities...

Q. If I do not receive a scholarship upon entry to Ringling College, is it possible for me to get scholarships in other years?
A. Yes. All students who complete their FAFSA by March 1, the priority deadline, are individually analyzed for scholarships in subsequent years.

Why No Scholarships...

Q. I don't understand why I did not receive any scholarships, my grades are excellent.
A. Although the College would like to offer a scholarship to everyone deserving of recognition, due to limited funding this is not possible. We look at a multitude of variables to make these difficult decisions.

Resources for Scholarships...

Q. Could you offer any advice on where to go to apply for scholarships?
A. Please look above on this same page under 'Third Party Scholarships' tab.

Outside Scholarships...

Q. I received an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?
A. Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from any sources other than the College, you must report the scholarship to the financial aid office. You should provide a copy of the notification letter you received from the organization offering you the scholarship. We will then be able to apply it to your account as anticipated aid.

Q. Do you accept outside scholarships?
A. Yes. The award will be credited to your bill once we have received the funds from the grantor.

Q. How does my financial aid get applied to my bill?
A. All gift aid is applied to your bill first, meaning programs such as state grants, federal grants, and scholarships. Loan money is then applied as follows: Federal Direct Loans first--student, then Parent PLUS (if eligible)--then private loans.

Q. How does the loan money get to the institution?
A. For the Federal Direct Loans, monies are sent to the Ringling College Business Office by electronic funds transfer. Many private loans are also disbursed this way, or by paper check. If there is a credit balance after all of your aid has been applied to your account, you or your parents (in case of a PLUS loan) will be issued a refund check.

When is money disbursed...

Q. When will funds be applied to my account?
A. All financial aid (excluding Federal Work Study) is applied to your account after the drop and add period has ended. The business office will begin to process the accounts and any money that is in excess of your fees will be given to you or your parents (in case of a PLUS loan) in a refund check.

Q. When extra money comes in after my bill is paid, how long will it take for me to get a check?
A. A check will be issued within 14 days from receipt and posting of the funds.

Q. What do I do if my loan comes in as a paper check?
A. The Bursar will notify you to come to their office on the 2nd floor of the Student Center to endorse the check so they can finalize processing. It is important for you to respond promptly to their request as it will delay the processing of your refund, if you will receive one. Even if you will not receive a refund, it is imperative that you endorse your check as soon as possible as it could delay your ability to register for subsequent terms.

Employment

Working on campus...

Q. I am very interested in working on campus, how do I apply?
A. All available positions are posted on College Central. Log in or register for your personal account on the College Central Network. To view all opportunities posted for students just click - “Search for Opportunities Posted to My School" and enter "Ringling College" in the "company name" line. TIP: Do not enter any other search criteria for the most comprehensive view of on-campus jobs search results. Apply directly to the office or department found on the job listing. Print out, complete and deliver the following application to the correct office or to the Faculty Center. Applications are also available for pick-up in the Center for Career Services.

Limit on hours worked...

Q. Is there a limit on the number of hours I can work on campus?
A. Yes. The College will allow you to work a maximum of 20 hours per week when classes are in session. During holidays and periods of non-enrollment, you may work up to 37.5 hours per week.

Type of work available...

Q. What type of work will I be doing?
A. This varies depending on the job. Most jobs will include light office work, such as filing, phone work, etc. Other areas include giving tours, computer lab, library, etc.

Q. I only have a few classes left and do not need to attend full-time. How does going part-time affect my financial aid?
A. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours to receive financial aid. Part-time enrollment affects the Pell Grant, Bright Futures, FRAG and FSAG. It has a limited effect on federal or private loans. The Pell Grant and Bright Futures would be prorated. FRAG and FSAG would be eliminated as you must be enrolled full-time to receive these programs. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options.

Withdrawing...

Q. What happens to my financial aid if I must withdraw from all classes or am unable to complete a semester?
A. If you must withdraw from classes, you may be required to repay a portion of your financial aid. Eligibility for financial aid is based on the costs involved with attending for an entire semester. Please read carefully the Return of Title IV Aid policy listed on this page in the Apply For Financial Aid section. If you have loans, you will enter into repayment within 6 months after you withdraw unless you enroll in a degree seeking program for at least 6 credit hours. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options before you withdraw from the College.

Q. I need to withdraw from one of my classes and all of my aid has been applied to my bill. Do I have to repay any money?
A. If you receive Bright Futures, you may need to pay back the amount you received for that class. Otherwise, you will not owe the College. However, withdrawing from a class may have an impact on the continuation of certain programs in subsequent years. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss how this might affect you before you withdraw from your class.

Study Abroad...

Q. I want to study abroad this summer, will financial aid pay for this?
A. No. The summer is is considered a period of non-enrollment, we cannot offer any type of aid. We suggest you visit www.StudyAbroadLoans.com as perhaps a viable option for funding.